CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 356Fire effects on ecosystemsWater resources management and optimizationHydrology and Watershed Management Studies

Wildfire and the Future of Water Supply

Bladon, Kevin D., Emelko, Monica B., Silins, Uldis, Stone, Micheal·2014·Environmental Science & Technology
DOI 10.1021/es500130g
Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

In many parts of the world, forests provide high quality water for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and ecological needs, with water supplies in those regions inextricably linked to forest health. Wildfires have the potential to have devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems and community drinking water supply through impacts on water quantity and quality. In recent decades, a combination of fuel load accumulation, climate change, extensive droughts, and increased human presence in forests have resulted in increases in area burned and wildfire severity-a trend predicted to continue. Thus, the implications of wildfire for many downstream water uses are increasingly concerning, particularly the provision of safe drinking water, which may require additional treatment infrastructure and increased operations and maintenance costs in communities downstream of impacted landscapes. A better understanding of the effects of wildfire on water is needed to develop effective adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect globally critical water supplies originating in forested environments.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1021/es500130g

Cites

65 of 65 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

4 of 81 cited sources checked · 2 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Dissolved organic carbon can influence the solubility, transport, and toxicity of trace metals and nutrients.

    “In addition, DOC can influence the solubility, transport, and toxicity of trace metals and nutrients.74”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [74] McGlynn B. L., 2003, Water Resour. Res. source

      The Introduction states that DOC can influence nutrient availability and control the solubility, transport, and toxicity of metals. It does not extend those three effects to nutrients or specify trace metals, so the citing sentence is broader than the passage supports. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisereasoning

    Mega-fires have increased alarmingly in many parts of the world.

    “Mega-fires have increased alarmingly in many parts of the world.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Premisecitation

    Wildfires can affect hydrological processes (interception, infiltration, and evapotranspiration) that influence the timing and magnitude of streamflows (base flows, peak flows, and annual water production).

    “Wildfires can affect hydrological processes (interception, infiltration, and evapotranspiration) that influence the timing and magnitude of streamflows (base flows, peak flows, and annual water production).31”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [31] Shakesby R. A., 2006, Earth-Sci. Rev. source
  • Premisereasoning

    Decades of intensive fire suppression have contributed to decreases or exclusion of wildfire from the landscape in many regions.

    “a desire to protect a range of economic, recreational, and ecological forest values has led to decades of intensive fire suppression, contributing to decreases or exclusion of wildfire from the landscape in many regions”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Premisecitation

    Over the period 1960-2013, an average of 1.8-million ha year-1 burned in the U.S.

    “Over the period of record (1960-2013) an average of 1.8-million ha year -1 has burned in the U.S. 18”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [18] National Interagency Fire Centre. Total wildland fires andacres (1960–2013). http://www.nifc.gov/index.html(accessed October 18, 2013) .

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 12
  • May combine two claims. 38

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Globally, wildfires burn extensive areas every year (approximately 300-450 Mha).

    “Globally, wildfires burn extensive areas every year (∼300-450 Mha).17”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] van der Werf G. R., 2006, Atmos. Chem. Phys. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Excessive inputs of phosphorus and nitrogen increase the risk of eutrophication of freshwater systems by reducing water quality, causing toxic algal blooms, and increasing fish kills.

    “Excessive inputs of P and N increase the risk of eutrophication of freshwater systemsone of the most widespread water quality issues globallyby reducing water quality, causing toxic algal blooms, and increasing fish kills.65”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [65] Schindler D. W., 2012, Proc. R. Soc. B source

      The Introduction (page unavailable) says increasing phosphorus and nitrogen inputs largely cause cultural eutrophication, which is a widespread water-quality problem associated with harmful algal blooms and fish kills in fresh waters. It says “harmful,” not specifically “toxic,” so the claim’s toxicity qualifier is not established by our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Mercury is particularly concerning because of its potential to bioaccumulate and biomagnify, which can result in health problems for consumers of fish.

    “Mercury is particularly concerning because of its potential to bioaccumulate and biomagnify, which can result in health problems for consumers of fish.6”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [6] Kelly E. N., 2006, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Almost two-thirds of municipalities in the United States and about one-third of the world's largest cities receive the majority of their drinking water from forested areas.

    “almost two-thirds of the municipalities in the United States and about one-third of the world's largest cities, including Tokyo, Melbourne, Los Angeles, and Rio de Janeiro, receive the majority of their drinking water from forested areas.15”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Committee on Hydrologic Impacts of Forest Management. Hydrologic Effects of a Changing Forest Landscape;The National Academies Press:Washington, D.C., 2008; p157.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In some instances, a water repellent (hydrophobic) layer develops at or near the soil surface, while in other cases a natural background water repellent layer is exposed after burning and removal of the protective vegetation and litter and duff.

    “In some instances, a water repellent (hydrophobic) layer develops at or near the soil surface, while in other cases a natural background water repellent layer is exposed after burning and removal of the protective vegetation and litter and duff.34”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [34] Doerr S. H., 2009, J. Hydrol. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Accumulation of forest fire fuels has been an unintended consequence of aggressive fire suppression policies, creating conditions in some areas in which extreme wildfire behavior over a greater area may be more likely.

    “The accumulation of forest fire fuels (Figure 2) has been an unintended consequence of aggressive fire suppression policies, creating conditions in some areas in which extreme wildfire behavior over a greater area may be more likely.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Recent mega-fires in Greece, the Russian Federation, South Africa, southeast Asia, and Latin America have been some of the most catastrophic in those countries/continents history, collectively burning more than 30-million hectares of forested land.

    “Recent mega-fires in Greece, the Russian Federation, South Africa, southeast Asia, and Latin America have also been some of the most catastrophic in those countries/continents history, collectively burning >30-million hectares of forested land.30”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [30] Global Fire Monitoring Center. Current and archived significantglobal fire events and fire season summaries. http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de/(accessed June 3, 2011).

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The 2009 Black Saturday mega-fire was the deadliest natural disaster in Australia's history, burning approximately half a million hectares, killing 173 people, and destroying more than 5500 homes and structures.

    “The 2009 Black Saturday mega-fire, for example, represents the deadliest natural disaster in Australia's history, burning approximately half a million hectares, killing 173 people, and destroying more than 5500 homes and structures.28”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [28] Teague, B.; Mcleod, R.; Pascoe, S.2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Final Report Summary;Parliament of Victoria:Melbourne, VIC, 2010; p52.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Canada and Australia approximately 2.1-million and 0.8-million ha year-1, respectively, burned during a similar period.

    “while in Canada and Australia approximately 2.1-million and 0.8-million ha year -1 , respectively, burned during a similar period.19”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [19] Canadian Council of Forest Ministers. National ForestryDatabase, (2013.http://nfdp.ccfm.org/fires/national_e.php(accessed November 14, 2013).

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Consumption of forest vegetation by fire reduces evaporative losses from forests through precipitation interception and evapotranspiration, thereby increasing rain and snow reaching the ground and increasing soil moisture, runoff, and streamflows.

    “Consumption of forest vegetation by fire reduces evaporative losses from forests through precipitation interception and evapotranspiration, thereby increasing rain and snow reaching the ground and increasing soil moisture, runoff, and streamflows.32”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [32] Neary, D. G.; Gottfried, G. J.; Ffolliott, P. F.InPost-Wildfire Watershed Flood Responses, 2nd International Wildland Fire Ecology and Fire Management Congress and 5th Symposium on Fire Forest Meteorology, Orlando, FL, November 16–20, 2003;American Meterological Society:Boston, MA, 2003; p7.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In North America and Australia, mega-fires now account for approximately 90-95% of the annual area burned, even though they represent less than 1% of the number of wildfires.

    “In North America and Australia, mega-fires now account for approximately 90-95% of the annual area burned, even though they represent <1% of the number of wildfires.27”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [27] Gelber, D.; Bach, J.The age of mega-fires, 2007.http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=3389657n(accessed July 19, 2012).

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The value of natural storage and filtration of water provided by global forests is approximately $4.1-trillion US (2013) per year.

    “It has been estimated that the value of the natural storage and filtration of water provided by global forests is approximately $4.1-trillion US (2013) per year.14”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] Costanza R., 1997, Nature source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The second costliest disaster in Canada was the 2011 Slave Lake mega-fire (approximately $700-million in damages).

    “The second costliest disaster in Canada was the 2011 Slave Lake mega-fire (∼$700-million in damages).29”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [29] Flat Top Complex Wildfire Review Committee Flat Top Complex Final Report;Department of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Government of Alberta:Edmonton, AB, 2012; p83.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    In many parts of the world, forests provide high quality water for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and ecological needs, and water supplies in those regions are inextricably linked to forest health.

    “In many parts of the world, forests provide high quality water for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and ecological needs, with water supplies in those regions inextricably linked to forest health.”
    • Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
      “I n many parts of the world, forests provide high quality water for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and ecological needs water supplies in those regions are inextricably linked to forest health.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In the Northern Rocky Mountains, unburned forested sites captured 55-60% of the snow water equivalent (SWE) compared to burned sites, and complete removal of the snowpack occurred approximately 9-15 days earlier in burned stands because of a 2-fold increase in snowmelt rates.

    “In the Northern Rocky Mountains, for example, unburned forested sites captured 55-60% of the snow water equivalent (SWE) compared to burned sites and complete removal of the snowpack occurred approximately 9-15 days earlier in burned stands because of a 2-fold increase in snowmelt rates.33”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [33] Burles K., 2011, Hydrol. Processes source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In temperate climates, greater solar energy reaching the snowpack causes earlier onset of snowmelt, which may have significant implications for reservoir storage and aquatic ecosystem health.

    “Furthermore, in temperate climates greater solar energy reaching the snowpack also causes earlier onset of snowmelt, which may have significant implications for reservoir storage and aquatic ecosystem health.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The greatest erosion events typically occur before vegetation has redeveloped and often coincide with episodic, short-duration, high intensity rain storms immediately following severe wildfire.

    “The greatest erosion events typically occur before vegetation has redeveloped and often coincide with episodic, short-duration, high intensity rain storms immediately following severe wildfire.40”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40] Moody J. A., 2001, Earth Surf. Processes Landforms source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Accelerated erosion, coupled with the occurrence of hydrophobic soils, reduced water infiltration rates, overland runoff, or mass soil failures on hillslopes can produce catastrophic debris flows in some environments.

    “Accelerated erosion, coupled with the occurrence of hydrophobic soils, reduced water infiltration rates, overland runoff, or mass soil failures on hillslopes can also produce catastrophic debris flows in some environments.43”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [43] Doerr S. H., 2009 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Collectively, the impacts of wildfire on hydrologic processes can cause precipitation with frequent return intervals to generate disproportionately large peak flows, shorten time to peak flows, and increase susceptibility to flash floods.

    “Collectively, the impacts of wildfire on hydrologic processes can cause precipitation with frequent return intervals to generate disproportionately large peak flows, shorten time to peak flows, and increase susceptibility to flash floods.40”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40] Moody J. A., 2001, Earth Surf. Processes Landforms source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    While increased erosion rates generally diminish quickly after fire (approximately 3-8 years), the legacy of this impact may be extremely long-lasting (approximately 10 to more than 100 years).

    “Thus, while increased erosion rates generally diminish quickly after fire (∼3-8 years), the legacy of this impact may be extremely long-lasting (∼10 to >100 years).9,54”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [9] Moody J. A., 2009, Int. J. Wildland Fire source
    • cites [54] Moody J. A., 2009 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Compared to lower severity fires, higher severity fires consume a greater proportion of aboveground vegetation, forest litter, and other organic matter within the soil; these impacts expose more of the soil to precipitation and, in some cases, increase erosion by several orders of magnitude.

    “Compared to lower severity fires, higher severity fires consume a greater proportion of aboveground vegetation, forest litter, and other organic matter (e.g., roots) within the soil these impacts expose more of the soil to precipitation and, in some cases, increase erosion by several orders of magnitude.5,31”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [5] Smith H. G., 2011, J. Hydrol. source
    • cites [31] Shakesby R. A., 2006, Earth-Sci. Rev. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Wildfires liberate accumulated heavy metals, possibly in alarmingly high pulses, to the atmosphere and adjacent streams, potentially impacting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem health.

    “Wildfires liberate accumulated heavy metals, possibly in alarmingly high pulses, to the atmosphere and adjacent streams, potentially impacting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem health.55”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [55] Witt E. L., 2009, Environ. Sci. Technol. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Aquatic ecosystems can be impacted by sediment and turbidity through clogging of the streambed with fine sediment, increased channel instability, altered stream temperatures, impairment of fish feeding, and destabilized channel morphology.

    “Aquatic ecosystems can be impacted (growth and survival of macrophytes, aquatic invertebrates, and fish) by sediment and turbidity through clogging of the streambed with fine sediment, increased channel instability, altered stream temperatures, impairment of fish feeding, and destabilized channel morphology.47,48”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [47] Goode J. R., 2012, Geomorphology source
    • cites [48] Wagner M. J., 2014, J. Hydrol. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Several investigations have concluded that lower severity wildfires produce small or no measurable effects on postfire peak flows while the combination of moderate to high severity burns and short-intense precipitation events can produce peak flows that are 5-to-870-times larger than those previously observed in unburned catchments.

    “Several investigations have concluded that lower severity wildfires produce small or no measurable effects on postfire peak flows while the combination of moderate to high severity burns and short-intense precipitation events can produce peak flows that are 5-to 870-times larger than those previously observed in unburned catchments.32,41”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [32] Neary, D. G.; Gottfried, G. J.; Ffolliott, P. F.InPost-Wildfire Watershed Flood Responses, 2nd International Wildland Fire Ecology and Fire Management Congress and 5th Symposium on Fire Forest Meteorology, Orlando, FL, November 16–20, 2003;American Meterological Society:Boston, MA, 2003; p7.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [41] Moody J. A., 2001, Hydrol. Processes source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    From a water supply perspective, postfire sediment loads increase the probability of degrading water quality (taste, odor, color), impairing drinking-water treatment processes and decreasing the operational life-span of reservoirs.

    “From a water supply perspective, postfire sediment loads increase the probability of degrading water quality (taste, odor, color), impairing drinking-water treatment processes and decreasing the operational life-span of reservoirs.13”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [13] Emelko M. B., 2011, Water Res. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Increased sediment loading can elevate turbidity and act as a vector for downstream transport of contaminants, including heavy metals, nutrients, organics, and pathogens.

    “Increased sediment loading can elevate turbidity and act as a vector for downstream transport of contaminants, including heavy metals, nutrients, organics, and pathogens.44”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [44] Stone M., 1994, Hydrol. Processes source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Wildfires increase the susceptibility of soils to erosion, which depends on multiple factors, including fire severity, site specific characteristics, and variability in precipitation and snowmelt.

    “Wildfires increase the susceptibility of soils to erosion, which depends on multiple factors, including fire severity, site specific characteristics (e.g., watershed area, topography, geology, vegetation, sediment availability), and variability in precipitation and snowmelt.42”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [42] Moody J. A., 2013, Earth-Sci. Rev. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Following fires in the San Dimas Experimental Forest in California, nitrate concentrations in streams corresponded with burn severity; moderate fires produced concentrations 3-times greater than unburned watersheds, while severely burned watersheds produced concentrations approximately 40-times greater than unburned watersheds.

    “Following fires in the San Dimas Experimental Forest in California, nitrate concentrations in streams corresponded with burn severity; moderate fires produced concentrations 3-times greater than unburned watersheds, while severely burned watersheds produced concentrations ∼40-times greater than unburned watersheds.72”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [72] Riggan P. J., 1994, Environ. Sci. Technol. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The Mortar Creek fire, which burned 26,000 ha of mixed-conifer Rocky Mountain forest, resulted in elevated dissolved organic carbon concentrations in burned watersheds, with the highest concentrations during high flow events such as stormflows and spring snowmelt freshet.

    “The Mortar Creek fire, which burned 26,000 ha of mixed-conifer Rocky Mountain forest, also resulted in elevated DOC concentrations in burned watersheds with the highest concentrations during high flow events (e.g., stormflows, spring snowmelt freshet).76”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [76] Minshall G. W., 2001, Int. J. Wildland Fire source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Observations of postfire water quality have often been conflicting, even for similar ecosystem types, making it difficult to generalize expected water quality and ecosystem responses and to apply knowledge derived from one region to another.

    “As a result, observations have often been conflicting, even for similar ecosystem types.This makes it difficult to generalize expected water quality and ecosystem responses and to apply knowledge derived from one region to another.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Climate and wildfire will likely impact the provision of water for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and ecological needs in some regions.

    “This will likely impact the provision of water for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and ecological needs in some regions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The future of water supply is changing because of climate and its relationship to wildfire.

    “The future of water supply is changing because of climate and its relationship to wildfire.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Excess dissolved organic carbon is a concern for downstream community water supply and consumer health because it can create taste and odor problems, decrease water treatment effectiveness, increase formation of potentially carcinogenic disinfection byproducts, and increase operating costs in impacted communities.

    “Excess DOC is also a concern for downstream community water supply and consumer health because it can create taste and odor problems, decrease the effectiveness of the water treatment process, increase the formation of potentially carcinogenic chemical disinfection byproducts, and ultimately increase operating costs in impacted communities.13,75”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [13] Emelko M. B., 2011, Water Res. source
    • cites [75] Crittenden, J. C.; Trussell, R. R.; Hand, D. W.; Howe, K. J.; Tchobanoglous, G.Water Treatment: Principles and Design,2nd ed.John Wiley & Sons, Inc.:Hoboken, NJ, 2005; p1968.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The longer-term legacy of water quality effects may persist following severe wildfires, which can delay vegetation regeneration due to high soil seed-bank mortality or deep ash layers resulting in poor germination success.

    “Similar to sediment, the longer term legacy of water quality effects may persist following severe wildfires, which can delay vegetation regeneration due to high soil seed-bank mortality or a deep ash layers resulting in poor germination success.73”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [73] Wang G. G., 2005, Can. J. For. Res. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Sediments in river beds draining burned landscapes can contain a higher fraction of the most bioavailable forms of phosphorus, and these phosphorus-rich riverbed sediments can prolong wildfire effects on phosphorus concentrations in fire-affected rivers.

    “Sediments in river beds draining burned landscapes can contain a higher fraction of the most bioavailable forms of P, thus these P rich riverbed sediments can prolong the effects of wildfire on P concentrations in fire affected rivers.70”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [70] Allin, D.; Stone, M.; Silins, U.; Emelko, M. B.; Collins, A. L.InThe Effects of Wildfire on Sediment-Associated Phosphorus Forms in the Crowsnest River Basin, Alberta, Canada, Wildfire and Water Quality: Processes, Impacts and Challenges, Banff, AB, June 11–14, 2012;Stone, M.; Collins, A.; Thoms, M., Eds.IAHS-ICCE:Rennes, France, 2012; pp1–8.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The specific impacts of wildfire on water vary substantially by geographic region, and impacts on ecosystems and humans are highly variable worldwide and even within specific ecoregions.

    “While these threats are generally understood, the specific impacts vary substantially by geographic region.Thus, the impacts on ecosystems and humans are highly variable not only worldwide, but even within specific ecoregions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Wildfire can significantly threaten water, with potentially catastrophic implications for aquatic ecosystems, community infrastructure, water supply and treatment, and public health.

    “Wildfire can significantly threaten waterwith potentially catastrophic implications for aquatic ecosystems, community infrastructure, water supply and treatment, and even public health.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In the first year after the high severity Hayman fire, dissolved organic carbon concentrations were approximately 3-fold higher in the burned stream Fourmile Creek than in the unburned Pine Creek, and the 95th percentile was 25.1 mg L−1.

    “In the first year after the high severity Hayman fire, DOC concentrations were ∼3-fold higher in the burned stream (Fourmile Creek) than the unburned (Pine Creek) and the 95th percentile was 25.1 mg L -1 .57”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [57] Ranalli, A. J.; Stevens, M. R.Streamwater Quality Data from the 2002 Hayman, Hinman, and Missionary Ridge Wildfires, Colorado, 2003, Data Series 109;U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey:Denver, CO, 2004; p5. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A postfire rain storm (approximately 38 mm in 2 h) in southeast Australia delivered large amounts of sediment (59,000 mg L-1 suspended solids and 129,000 NTU) into a drinking water supply, causing concentrations of arsenic, iron, lead, and chromium to rise to levels exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

    “A postfire rain storm (∼38 mm in 2 h) in southeast Australia, for example, delivered large amounts of sediment (59,000 mg L -1 suspended solids and 129,000 NTU) into a drinking water supply, causing concentrations of arsenic, iron, lead, and chromium to rise to levels exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.61”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [61] Leak M., 2003, WaterWorks

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A conservative estimate of the current costs of eutrophication of U.S. fresh water is $813 million annually.

    “A conservative estimate of the current costs of eutrophication of U.S. fresh water is $813 million annually: 66”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [66] Dodds W. K., 2009, Environ. Sci. Technol. source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Providing actionable science and reliable capacity to predict wildfire impacts on water values is impossible without research at appropriate temporal and spatial scales that captures short- and long-term variation in hydroclimate.

    “This is impossible without research at appropriate temporal and spatial scales that means necessarily capturing the effects produced by short-and long-term variation in hydroclimate.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Impacts produced by one fire are not the same as those produced by another fire, and not all fires are catastrophic.

    “Impacts produced by one fire are not the same as those produced by another fire; moreover, not all fires are catastrophic.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In contrast to nitrogen, phosphorus transport in surface runoff from hillslopes to receiving waters is predominantly particle-associated and linked with erosion, which can become an important long-term source of phosphorus for aquatic ecosystems.

    “In contrast to N, P transport in surface runoff from hillslopes to receiving waters is predominantly particle-associated and linked with erosion, which can become an important long-term source of P for aquatic ecosystems.8,69”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [8] source
    • cites [69] Burke J. M., 2005, J. Environ. Eng. Sci. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In the first four years after the Lost Creek wildfire in Alberta, the 95th percentile dissolved organic carbon remained low in streams draining unburned watersheds (3.8 mg L−1), while dissolved organic carbon levels were elevated in streams draining burned (4.6 mg L−1) and postfire salvage-logged (9.9 mg L−1) watersheds.

    “Similarly, in the first four years after the Lost Creek wildfire in Alberta the 95th percentile DOC remained low in streams draining unburned watersheds (3.8 mg L -1 ).In contrast, DOC levels were elevated in streams draining burned (4.6 mg L -1 ) and postfire salvage-logged (9.9 mg L -1 ) watersheds. 13”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [13] Emelko M. B., 2011, Water Res. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Aquatic ecosystem structure and composition can be rendered almost unrecognizable by high intensity, high severity wildfires, which release significant amounts of nutrients that have the potential to contribute to substantive shifts in water quality.

    “Aquatic ecosystem structure and composition can be rendered almost unrecognizable (Figure 3) by high intensity, high severity wildfires, which release significant amounts of nutrients that have the potential to contribute to substantive shifts in water quality.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Data from catastrophic fires are scarce and their effects are poorly understood.

    “Data from catastrophic fires are scarce and the effects are poorly understood.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
46 of 46

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The impacts of land disturbances such as wildfires on water are less understood than the effects of urbanization, agriculture, and forestry.

    “The impacts of land disturbances, such as wildfires, are less understood.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    A better understanding of the effects of wildfire on water is needed to develop effective adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect globally critical water supplies originating in forested environments.

    “A better understanding of the effects of wildfire on water is needed to develop effective adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect globally critical water supplies originating in forested environments.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Dissolved organic carbon is a critical component of the carbon cycle and energy balance in streams and is a primary food source in aquatic food webs.

    “Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is a critical component of the carbon cycle and energy balance in streams and is a primary food source in aquatic food webs.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Elevated dissolved organic carbon levels can acidify freshwaters by forming organic acids and decrease light attenuation in streams, which is critical for autotrophs.

    “Elevated DOC levels can acidify freshwaters by forming organic acids and decrease light attenuation in streams, which is critical for autotrophs.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The nutrient shifts of greatest concern after fire are those observed in phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon, which are the foundational elements of aquatic ecosystems.

    “The nutrient shifts of greatest concern after fire are those observed in phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon, which are the foundational elements of aquatic ecosystems.”
5 of 5

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Concentrations of carbon and nitrogen compounds often increase following fire, and these compounds can react with disinfectants to form DBPs during drinking water treatment.

    “As noted previously, concentrations of carbon and nitrogen compounds often increase following fire, and these compounds can react with disinfectants (e.g., chlorine, chloramine) to form DBPs during drinking water treatment (Bladon et al., 2014; Hohner et al., 2016, 2019).”

    From Wildfire Induces Changes in Receiving Waters: A Review With Considerations for Water Quality Management (2022) · cites this paper as Bladon et al., 2014

    The “Nutrient Legacy or Recovery?” section (page unavailable) says streams draining burned forests often have increased nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon, and that excess dissolved organic carbon can increase formation of disinfection byproducts during water treatment. It does not say that the nitrogen compounds form those byproducts or specify chlorine or chloramine as the disinfectants. (LLM, conf=0.84)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Smaller drinking water suppliers are especially vulnerable from sedimentation or damage if they only have one drinking water source, potentially requiring a regional approach to help reduce risk.

    “Moreover, smaller drinking water suppliers are especially vulnerable from sedimentation or damage if they only have one drinking water source, potentially requiring a regional approach to help reduce risk (Bladon et al., 2014).”

    From Wildfire Induces Changes in Receiving Waters: A Review With Considerations for Water Quality Management (2022) · cites this paper as Bladon et al., 2014

    The Erosion section says postfire sediment can impair drinking-water treatment and shorten reservoir life, and the Outlook raises regionalizing supply and treatment in smaller communities as a question. Neither section says that suppliers with only one drinking-water source are especially vulnerable, or establishes regionalization as a necessary risk-reduction measure. No page numbers are available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Fire-mobilized pollutants include sediment, dissolved organic compounds, and metals that threaten drinking water sources.

    “These pollutants include sediment (Dahm et al., 2015; Smith et al., 2011; Verkaik et al., 2013), dissolved organic compounds (Hohner et al., 2016, 2019), and metals (Bladon et al., 2014; Smith et al., 2011) that threaten drinking water sources.”

    From Wildfire Induces Changes in Receiving Waters: A Review With Considerations for Water Quality Management (2022) · cites this paper as Bladon et al., 2014

  • Fire impacts many characteristics of the hydrologic regime, important to all subsequent water quality responses since water transports pollutants and affects their concentrations.

    “Fire impacts many characteristics of the hydrologic regime, important to all subsequent water quality responses since water transports pollutants and affects their concentrations (Bladon et al., 2014; Chanasyk et al., 2003; Moody et al., 2013; Rhoades et al., 2011).”

    From Wildfire Induces Changes in Receiving Waters: A Review With Considerations for Water Quality Management (2022) · cites this paper as Bladon et al., 2014

  • Previous reviews have emphasized the problems to water quality posed by sediments, nutrients, and metals, among other chemicals.

    “Previous reviews have emphasized the problems to water quality posed by sediments, nutrients, and metals, among other chemicals (e.g., Bladon et al., 2014; Rust et al., 2018; Smith et al., 2011).”

    From Wildfire Induces Changes in Receiving Waters: A Review With Considerations for Water Quality Management (2022) · cites this paper as Bladon et al., 2014

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • IPCC statement points to a different reference

    Minor

    The IPCC statement cites reference 12, but the bibliography lists an Emelko et al. paper as reference 12. The IPCC report is listed as reference 11.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 10

  1. United States Department of Agriculture, 2009, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces New Direction and Vision for America’s Forests
  2. Committee on Hydrologic Impacts of Forest Management. Hydrologic Effects of a Changing Forest Landscape;The National Academies Press:Washington, D.C., 2008; p157.
  3. Flat Top Complex Wildfire Review Committee Flat Top Complex Final Report;Department of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Government of Alberta:Edmonton, AB, 2012; p83.
  4. Neary, D. G.; Gottfried, G. J.; Ffolliott, P. F.InPost-Wildfire Watershed Flood Responses, 2nd International Wildland Fire Ecology and Fire Management Congress and 5th Symposium on Fire Forest Meteorology, Orlando, FL, November 16–20, 2003;American Meterological Society:Boston, MA, 2003; p7.
  5. Shakesby R. A., 2001, J. Hydrol., 231, 178
  6. Meyer J. P., 2006, Denver Post
  7. Leak M., 2003, WaterWorks, 6, 38
  8. Brass J. A., 1996, Ecological Implications of Fire in Greater Yellowstone, 1996, 53
  9. McGlynn B. L., 2003, Water Resour. Res., 39, 1090
  10. Crittenden, J. C.; Trussell, R. R.; Hand, D. W.; Howe, K. J.; Tchobanoglous, G.Water Treatment: Principles and Design,2nd ed.John Wiley & Sons, Inc.:Hoboken, NJ, 2005; p1968.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Bladon, K. D., Emelko, M. B., Silins, U., & Stone, M.
Affiliations
  • Oregon State University (US)
  • University of Waterloo (CA)
  • University of Alberta (CA)
Corresponding author
Bladon, Kevin D.
ORCID
Venue
Environmental Science & Technology
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Published
2014-07-28
Volume
48
Issue
16
Pages
8936-8943
ISSN
  • 0013-936X (ISSN-L)
  • 1520-5851
DOI
10.1021/es500130g
OpenAlex
W2086247094
Cited by
354
References
61
Citations by year
2026: 41 · 2025: 47 · 2024: 40 · 2023: 40 · 2022: 39 · 2021: 31 · 2020: 26 · 2019: 26 · 2018: 21 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 20 · 2015: 10
FWCI
11.79
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Environmental Science & Technology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Fire effects on ecosystems
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Ocean Engineering › Water resources management and optimization
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Water Science and Technology › Hydrology and Watershed Management Studies
Keywords
forest fires, water supply, drinking water quality, aquatic ecosystems, forest health, climate change, drought, wildfire severity, water treatment infrastructure, forested watersheds
MeSH terms
Agriculture, Fires, Forecasting, Humans, Trees, Water Supply, Ecosystem, Droughts, Climate Change, Water Quality, Drinking Water

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-10.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-10.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review